"Attacking Mashgiach" was sent for psychiatric evaluation

Jerusalem District Court held a hearing today (Wednesday) regarding the case of the 'assaulting Mashgiach' accused of assaulting his family relatives for many years.

Attorney Yehuda Fried brought the opinion of Professor Eli Somer, whereby the defendant suffers from a dissociative disorder, therefore, he often swings from normal behavior and self-control to a man that is taken over by personality traits he cannot be held responsible for.

In a hearing held today before a panel of three judges headed by Judge Rafi Carmel, a district psychiatrist's evaluation stated that the defendant does not suffer from mental illness and can control his actions. However, that did not include a reference to the diagnose of Professor Sommer stating that the 'Mashgiach' suffers from dissociative identity disorder. Following this, the judge asked for another psychiatric evaluation by October 30th.

Recall, the detainee, in his 50s, worked as a 'Mashgiach' in a well-known yeshiva in Jerusalem and was (4 moths ago), accused of abusing 3 sisters over many years as he showed them Halachic rationalizing for his actions.

"Forum of rabbis tried to resolve the issue without having to turn to law enforcement authorities. Ultimately, however, the information came into the hands of the police which subsequently began an undercover investigation.

A legal source we spoke to after the arraignment, estimated that at the end of the legal proceedings, he will be sentenced to no less than twenty years in prison, and in the case of a plea bargain no less than 15 years of prison time, in addition to fines and compensation to the victims.

Attorney Erez Padan department manager in the Jerusalem District Attorney (Criminal), is managing this severe case. In light of the indictment exception, and the complex charges specified therein, after that the prosecution realized the intensity of the shock and upheaval that this story caused to the public they have agreed to speak to B'hadrei Haredim'. Moreover, it turns out that in this case there was cooperation between Haredi rabbis and other officials, which is important to the Israeli law enforcement organization to maintain and expand.

"There was a process of several steps. First, the personal work of the complainants themselves, making a decision to speak out, it is extremely difficult and just the first step. The second step, consultation and involvement of Rabbonim. There were actions taken in the community, but it would be wrong to discuss the details" Padan said to B'hadrei.

"The obvious fact is that the best way to handle a case of abuse is for the victims to speak up and for the legal system to run its operations. I am grateful to the victims, their husbands and Rabbonim for bringing the story out and allowing for it to be dealt with.

In the interview, he also acknowledged being the collaboration of the Haredi community. "We collaborated with the complainants, Rabbis and others that allowed the exposure of the case. I hope that the cooperation will continue."

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!